The decision came after the ACLU and others argued that it was virtually impossible for detainees at ICE's Adelanto facility to confer in private with their attorneys amid the coronavirus outbreak.
In court filings, ICE has argued that concern about detainees contracting coronavirus is “based on mere speculation” and that releasing large numbers of them would set a precedent that would persist even after the virus subsides. But ICE is instructing field offices to assess and consider for release those who were deemed to be at greater risk of exposure.
The civil liberties group said telephone access had been severely restricted in Adelanto, one of the country’s largest detention centers, which holds nearly 2,000 people.The attorneys argued that conversations were not only nonconfidential but also prohibitively expensive — and that the phone system didn’t allow detainees to leave messages if they didn’t receive an answer.
ICE couldn’t immediately be reached for comment. The agency could ask a federal appeals court to stay the order. Another hearing is scheduled for later this month.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
15 Great Ice Cube Molds to Use at HomeWe found ice cube molds for all different shapes, including spheres, cubes, and novelties like Star Wars characters, too.
Read more »
'I Am Losing My Mind': Immigrant Detainees Feel Trapped As Coronavirus Outbreaks Hit ICE Detention Centers'At this point we're just waiting to be next because the virus is passed so easily,' one detainee told BuzzFeed News.
Read more »
Americans Are Turning to Comfort Foods Like Cereal, Snacks, and Ice Cream, Sales ShowSales of cereal, chocolate, and even Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers are booming during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more »
Judge: Kentucky church can conduct Easter drive-in serviceA federal judge rules that Kentucky’s largest city cannot halt a local church's drive-in Easter service. On Fire Christian Church had sued Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and the city over a ban on religious gatherings aimed at avoiding coronavirus spread.
Read more »
Judge Calls System's Treatment Of Those Who Have Mental Illnesses 'The Definition Of Insanity'NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Steven Leifman, who advocates for people with mental health issues in the criminal justice system. He's the focus of a PBS documentary.
Read more »